East Ventura News

After dedicating 33 years to California Lutheran University as a music professor, Wyant Morton will retire this May, leaving a lasting influence on the university's musical community.

Morton expressed pride in providing a high-quality music experience, stating, “I am proud to have offered a high-quality music-making experience over the years for the thousands of student musicians who sang in the Cal Lutheran choirs.” He highlighted his efforts to involve both music majors and non-majors in the journey.

Morton's journey in music began with the trumpet, earning a degree in trumpet performance. He only ventured into choral music late in college and pursued a master's degree in choral conducting shortly after.

Throughout his tenure at Cal Lutheran, his contributions were recognized with awards such as the Honorary Alumni Award and the President’s Award for Teaching Excellence. He credited his success to mentoring students, saying, "I have always tried to meet my students where they are, yet challenge them as musicians and artists to be their best every day."

Former student Janna Santangelo, now a choir director, remarked, “Dr. Morton is an incredible musician, mentor and educator.”

Among Morton's contributions is the annual New Music Concerts, initiated in 2003, featuring collaborations with renowned composers. He reflected, “I have always had an interest in new music.”

In 2009, Morton founded the Areté Vocal Ensemble, a chamber choir with a professional approach. Over 15 years, Areté collaborated with entities like the Los Angeles Opera and the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

John Nunes, interim president of Cal Lutheran, stated, “That Wyant Morton is a first-rate musician is incontestable."

As he retires, Morton fondly remembers performances with students, saying, “The most meaningful moments for me during my 33 years at CLU are the hundreds of concerts I have performed with my students.”

Morton plans to remain active with multiple ensembles and pursue other interests. “Although I am retiring, I am not ready to be finished being a musician,” he stated.

Reflecting on his students' future, Morton said, "If there is anything that my students take away from their experience in the Cal Lutheran choirs, I hope it is a love for music making."

Recalling a memorable event, he shared, “The experience at Homecoming this year with over 150 alumni singers performing with me was amazing.”

As Morton steps away, he expressed optimism about the university's future in choral music, stating, “I will look forward to seeing and hearing the new ideas and directions that my successor will bring to the CLU choral ensembles.”